When Calliope's Personnel Committee began the search for a new Music Director last spring, some of our qualifications included past choral conducting experience, advanced degree in Music preferred, familiarity with women's music, dedication to performing and commissioning music by women composers, and an interest in working with an organization that uses music to promote social awareness and change. The organization braced itself for the search, acknowledging the low unemployment rate in the Twin Cities, and knowing that a half-time position probably wouldn't draw many applications from out of state. The Personnel Committee started advertising, networking and talking to school music departments and church choir directors. The resumes started coming in, including the resume of Dr. J. Michele Edwards.

Michele Edwards' credentials are quite impressive. She has over 25 years experience teaching and conducting choral music and a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting. She is a professor at Macalester College with a dual appointment in the Women's and Gender Studies Program, and founder-conductor of Harmonia Mundi, a professional double woodwind quintet and piano ensemble. Michele's experiences also include over 10 years as a church music director and guest appearances with professional orchestras such as the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Shreveport Symphony. In addition, she is a published author, recipient of numerous grants, and actively participates in several professional music societies including the American Musicological Society, College Music Society, International Alliance for Women in Music, and American Choral Directors Association.

Beyond her resume, what truly impressed us about Michele was her proven commitment to giving voice to music by diverse composers – many of them women. While director of the Macalester Festival Chorale, she programmed innovative repertoire including lesbian and suffrage activist Ethyl Smyth's Mass in D and commissioned and premiered Libby Larsen's Like a Needle Guide Us in Your Weaving. In addition to this diverse programming, Michele also educated audiences by offering lectures, pre-concert talks, and thorough program notes. Michele's experience, partnered with her passion for women's music confirmed what we hoped - she is a perfect match for Calliope Women's Chorus! While this is a year of transition for us with a new director and new accompanist, be assured that Calliope is in very capable hands, and we are enjoying the expertise and enthusiasm Michele has to offer. We've got a diverse, challenging and entertaining program planned for you in January. We invite you to join us in welcoming Michele to the organization as we continue to present music performed with excellence and pride!